Measuring and Recording Blood Pressure

Course overview

Measuring and recording blood pressures is more difficult than measuring and recording the body temperature, pulse, and respirations. It is easier to make mistakes when measuring the blood pressure than when measuring the other vital signs. Health care professionals must learn the proper way to measure blood pressure. If blood pressure is not measured correctly, an inaccurate blood pressure reading may be obtained that might be higher or lower than the true reading. Inaccurate measurements recorded in the patient's chart may negatively impact the patient's care. With practice and a conscientious effort, the patient's blood pressure can be accurately measured and recorded.